Diary 101 Podcast

In this heartfelt episode, Akakandelwa reconnects with Mwangala, a fellow member of the SUSI community, to reflect on their inspiring journeys and the power of meaningful connections. They reminisce about their transformative memories studying in America, their shared love for museums, and the cultural shifts they faced upon returning home. Mwangala opens up about her path into STEM, the family su...

In this episode, Akakandelwa sits down with sisters Praneet and Kanwaleen to explore their inspiring journey of launching an inclusive fashion brand for tall Indian women. They discuss how Praneet’s background in fashion design and experience as head stylist at Marks & Spencer, combined with Kanwaleen’s practical business skills and entrepreneurial mindset, shaped their mission to address the...

In this episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa dives into the critical topic of skills development for young people, drawing from her personal journey and work at Tonse Tech. She explores how students can go beyond academics to intentionally build essential life and career skills such as communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, and digital proficiency. Reflecting on her own transition from...

In this episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa is joined by writer and advocate Ifetayo Harvey, founder of the POC Psychedelic Collective. Together, they explore the importance of creating accessible, community-based healing spaces—especially for people of color navigating the mental health challenges shaped by systemic barriers. Ifetayo shares her entry into psychedelic work, the need for racial equi...

In this episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa sits down with Ronald Mwape, a marketer turned social entrepreneur. Ronald shares his journey from banking to founding the Social Green Network, which connects grassroots organizations with corporate CSR initiatives. Akakandelwa expresses appreciation for Ronald’s efforts and highlights how his diverse experiences have deepened her understanding of commun...

In this episode of Diary 101 , Akakandelwa explores the concept of mentorship and its significance in both personal and professional development. Drawing from her own experiences, she presents a practical five-step framework for identifying and securing meaningful mentor-mentee relationships. The discussion begins with the importance of conducting a self-assessment through a SWOT analysis to clear...

In this thought-provoking episode of Diary 101 , host Akakandelwa Kandelwa is joined by Shawn, CEO of the All Things Are Possible (ATAP) Group, to explore why Africa’s leadership crisis is not a skills deficit but a character crisis. The episode dives deep into how the podcast aims to equip African youth (ages 18–35) with soft skills and character development tools, filling the gap left by global...

In this heartfelt episode, Akakandelwa sits down with Diksha to explore themes of personal growth, cultural identity, and the importance of roots. Diksha shares her transition from growing up in a close-knit joint family in India to living independently in a foreign country, highlighting the value of community, familiarity, and understanding one's own values. Their discussion touches on the unique...

Ever wondered how curiosity can shape a career in tech and data? In this episode of Diary 101 , I sit down with Malak Hasan Khan to talk about how his childhood in Pakistan—filled with imagination, limited playmates, and cultural depth—fueled his love for self-teaching and exploration. We dive into his passion for data, unpack how tech economies grow, and ask what it would mean if giants like Goog...

Anusha and Akakandelwa  had such a heartfelt conversation about our time in Prague, reminiscing on the friendships we built, the growth they witnessed in each other, and the unexpected bonds that made the experience so special. They talked about transitions—whether from college to the workplace or stepping into new phases of life—and the support that made all the difference. Feeling seen, valued,...

In this inspiring conversation, Akakandelwa sits down with seasoned HR expert Owen Kabanda to unpack career growth, people strategy, and the power of mentorship. They talk about building skills that stand the test of time, creating meaningful support systems, and being bold enough to dream of billion-dollar businesses and social impact. Follow Tonse management on: Instagram: https://www.instagram....

In this episode, Akakandelwa sits down with scientist Fernanda Da Silva Tatley explore identity, skincare, and personal growth. They discuss the power of names, cultural influences, and the role of storytelling in fostering emotional intelligence. Fernanda shares insights on embracing diversity, staying true to values, and appreciating the present moment. The conversation also touches on skincare...

In this episode, host Akakandelwa sits down with Uwais to share his unique journey from perfectionism to exploration. Uwais opens up about his creative self-introduction—“2 ways without the T”—and how it inspired his podcast, 2 Ways to Skin a Cat . He reflects on his transition from corporate life to startups, sharing early entrepreneurial ventures and the lessons learned from navigating both big...

In this episode of the Diary 101 Podcast , Akakandelwa had the pleasure of speaking with Thabo about her journey from studying economics to becoming a passionate mentor for women entrepreneurs. Thabo shared how her early career at PwC and her experience with the Mandela Washington Fellowship helped her discover a love for building businesses and supporting founders. They talked about the challenge...

In this episode, Akakandelwa and Nyamilandu discuss entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and navigating business in Zambia and Malawi. Nyamilandu shares his journey from childhood ventures to running a high-end car import business, while Akakandelwa reflects on mentorship, networking, and balancing ambition with societal expectations. They also explore family dynamics, Nyamilandu’s father’s football leg...

In this episode, Akakandelwa and Mpolokeng explore the realities of navigating life in one’s twenties, emphasizing authenticity, emotional awareness, and the importance of setting boundaries. They discuss the pressures of social media, the value of processing emotions in real time, and the challenges of relationships. Mpolokeng highlights the need for assertiveness, especially for women, and the i...

In this episode, Linda Kasonde and Akakandelwa Kandelwa dive into the realities of female leadership, decision-making, and overcoming barriers in male-dominated spaces. Linda shares her journey to becoming the first female President of the Law Association of Zambia , the resistance she faced, and how she strategically navigated her way to success. They also discuss Madeleine Albright’s insights on...

Follow Tonse management on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonse_management?igsh=MW9neTJhN2Rxb3A2   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091936271707&mibextid=uzlsIk LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonse-management

In this episode, Faren Kudzai, Laiba Zaman, Sodgerel Gansukh, and Akakandelwa Kandepwe reflect on their experience attending the SUSI Women’s Global Leadership Consortium GLOW workshop in Prague. They share how the trip was a much-needed reset, filled with reunions, new friendships, and personal growth. From airport adventures to reconnecting with their "SUSI sisters," they highlight the joy of me...

In this episode of Dairy 101 , Akakandelwa welcomes Yasmina, an advocate from Egypt, to discuss her work in women's rights, climate change, and community service. They reflect on their shared experiences in the SUSI community and how cultural exchange has shaped their perspectives. Yasmina also shares insights on Egypt’s rich diversity beyond the pyramids and her journey of exploring different fie...

In this episode, Akakandelwa and Bobby explore their love for music and concerts. Bobby shares why he prefers intimate concerts and suggests watching Taylor Swift’s Netflix performances. Akakandelwa talks about her dream of attending a Taylor Swift concert and reflects on finding her flow state. Bobby, a self-proclaimed optimist, shares how he finds joy at the intersection of technology and art, e...

Akakandelwa and Walter delve into the cost of pursuing a greater purpose, emphasizing hard work, sacrifice, and existential clarity. They discuss how upbringing shapes worldviews, the role of favor in success, and the importance of balancing work and personal life. Walter shares insights from his books, A Beacon of Hope and Borders to Bridges , highlighting Zambia’s potential as a guiding light fo...

In this special anniversary episode, Akakandelwa and Anthony reflect on one year of The Diary 101 Podcast . They discuss the journey of building the podcast, the lessons learned, and the experiences that have shaped them along the way. Akakandelwa shares her excitement about reaching this milestone and her plans to feature the people who have contributed to the podcast’s growth. Anthony reflects o...

In this insightful episode, Akakandelwa hosts Miscah, who shares her high school journey and the pivotal role of mentors in shaping her passion for advocating for children's rights. Together, they discuss the challenges advocacy organizations face, the value of a supportive upbringing, and how stepping out of one’s comfort zone drives personal growth. Miscah reveals her aspirations to educate larg...

In this episode, Akakandelwa shares her challenges and insights on goal setting, emphasizing the importance of breaking big-picture goals into smaller, actionable steps. She highlights the value of SMART goals, consistency, and building a supportive community for accountability and growth. Akakandelwa also shares plans to provide goal-setting templates on her social media pages and encourages list...